Water Main Break Closes Part Of Rt. 44 In Avon

January 29, 2014

AVON — A water main break on Wednesday closed a lane of Route 44, and officials said it was expected to disrupt the evening commute.

In a notice sent out early on Wednesday afternoon, town officials said the water main broke across the street from the Marshall's store at 282 West Main St. They said one lane of the westbound travel portion of that major thoroughfare was closed. Police Lt. Kelly Walsh said in an email shortly after 3 p.m. that repairs were expected to take between two and six hours to complete.

The water main is owned by the Avon Water Co. An employee who answered the phone there on Wednesday afternoon said company officials were still investigating the break to see how it happened. She said the company was notified by the police department Wednesday morning, who said a passing firefighter noticed that the pavement had been pushed up and there was water on the roadway.

It was not clear when things might be restored to normal. But town officials said in their alert that they do not expect the break to be repaired before the afternoon rush hour and are advising residents who use Route 44 to be prepared for delays.

Several businesses lost their water service. They include Russell Speeders Car Wash, Consignment Boutique, New England Pasta Company, businesses in the plaza at 302 West Main St. and stores in another plaza at 290 West Main St.